Bureau of Indian Affairs

08/25/2026

Our hearts go out to the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Indian Country and especially the wildland fire community as we mourn the loss of Randy Lupe, a dedicated crewmember who served on the Frijoles Fire. His commitment and spirit will be remembered by the wildland firefighting family and beyond. 🪶

We are saddened to share the identity of the crewmember we lost on the Frijoles Fire in northern New Mexico on Sunday. Randy Lupe, 62, of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, died following a medical emergency.

Lupe was a U.S. Wildland Fire Service temporary emergency support crewmember on the San Carlos camp crew, which was supporting federal wildfire response on the Frijoles Fire.
Out of consideration for the family, the Interior Department is not releasing additional medical information at this time.

This loss is felt deeply across the wildland firefighting community, and our thoughts are with all those affected.

You can find the full press release at https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfireservice/identity-released-wildland-fire-support-crewmember-who-died-frijoles-fire-new.

08/25/2026

🎉Celebrating U.S. Indian Police Academy Class #072🎉

Thirty years ago, on August 21, 1996, these dedicated men and women crossed the stage at the U.S. Indian Police Academy, beginning a lifetime of service rooted in duty, resilience, and pride. Today, we honor their legacy and the traditions they uphold. We invite graduates, families, and community members to share your memories in the comments as we recognize the lasting impact of Class #072. Thank you for inspiring future generations and keeping the spirit of service alive!

08/25/2026

🎶 Back-to-school 🎶

08/25/2026

BIA OJS MMU are seeking information that may assist them with the ongoing search.

08/25/2026

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

BIA OJS MMU are seeking information that may assist them with the ongoing search.

08/14/2026

08/14/2026

Earlier today, Native American service members of the Arizona Air National Guard’s 161st Air Refueling Wing attended a ceremony at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix honoring the service and sacrifice of the Navajo Code Talkers.

While the Navajo Code Talkers are among the most well-known, Native Americans from several tribes, including the Choctaw, Comanche, Cherokee and others, served as Code Talkers during World War I and World War II. They drew on their Native languages to help protect military communications and support U.S. forces in combat.

On National Navajo Code Talkers Day, Indian Affairs honors the Native American service members who have answered the call to serve - from the Code Talkers of World War I to the Native service members carrying that legacy forward today. We remember their sacrifice, celebrate their legacy and honor the Native languages that played a vital role in our nation’s defense.

Indian Affairs is proud to honor the service of Native veterans and service members and help preserve the legacy of those who served for generations to come.

08/14/2026

On Navajo Code Talkers Day, we honor the extraordinary Marines whose language became one of America's greatest military advantages during World War II.

Beginning with the original 29 Navajo recruits in 1942, these young men developed a code based on the Navajo language that Japanese forces never broke.

As hundreds more Navajo Marines joined their ranks, they carried that code into every major Marine campaign in the Pacific, transmitting thousands of battlefield messages quickly, accurately, and securely under some of the war's most dangerous conditions. Their work helped save countless lives and contributed to the Allied victory.

For years, their mission remained classified, and many returned home unable to speak about what they had accomplished. Today, we proudly recognize their service and their enduring place in American history.

Photo from the National Archives